Bone remodelling around a cementless glenoid component

Post-operative change in the mechanical loading of bone may trigger its (mechanically induced) adaptation and hamper the mechanical stability of prostheses. This is especially important in cementless components, where the final fixation is achieved by the bone itself. The aim of this study is, first, to gain insight into the bone remodelling process around a cementless glenoid component, and second, to compare the possible bone adaptation when the implant is assumed to be fully bonded (best case scenario) or completely loose (worst case scenario). 3D finite element models of a scapula with and without a cementless glenoid component were created. 3D geometry of the scapula, material properties, and several physiological loading conditions were acquired from or estimated for a specific cadaver. Update of the bone density after implantation was done according to a node-based bone remodelling scheme. Strain energy density for different loading conditions was evaluated, weighted according to their frequencies in activities of daily life and used as a mechanical stimulus for bone adaptation. The average bone density in the glenoid increased after implantation. However, local bone resorption was significant in some regions next to the bone-implant interface, regardless of the interface condition (bonded or loose). The amount of bone resorption was determined by the condition imposed to the interface, being slightly larger when the interface was loose. An ideal screw, e.g. in which material fatigue was not considered, was enough to keep the interface micromotions small and constant during the entire bone adaptation simulation.     

The influence of tibial component fixation techniques on resorption of supporting bone stock after total knee replacement

Periprosthetic bone resorption after tibial prosthesis implantation remains a concern for long-term fixation performance. The fixation techniques may inherently aggravate the "stress-shielding" effect of the implant, leading to weakened bone foundation. In this study, two cemented tibial fixation cases (fully cemented and hybrid cementing with cement applied under the tibial tray leaving the stem uncemented) and three cementless cases relying on bony ingrowth (no, partial and fully ingrown) were modelled using the finite element method with a strain-adaptive remodelling theory incorporated to predict the change in the bone apparent density after prosthesis implantation. When the models were loaded with physiological knee joint loads, the predicted patterns of bone resorption correlated well with reported densitometry results. The modelling results showed that the firm anchorage fixation formed between the prosthesis and the bone for the fully cemented and fully ingrown cases greatly increased the amount of proximal bone resorption. Bone resorption in tibial fixations with a less secure anchorage (hybrid cementing, partial and no ingrowth) occurred at almost half the rate of the changes around the fixations with a firm anchorage. The results suggested that the hybrid cementing fixation or the cementless fixation with partial bony ingrowth (into the porous-coated prosthesis surface) is preferred for preserving proximal tibial bone stock, which should help to maintain post-operative fixation stability. Specifically, the hybrid cementing fixation induced the least amount of bone resorption.     

Experimental method for the in vitro testing of the initial stability of cementless hip prostheses

Micromotions at the interface between bone and prosthesis are believed to induce bone resorption and ultimately lead to loosening of the implant. Thus the initial stability achieved by a hip prosthesis is an important factor for the long-term function of the implant. Knowing the biological consequences of the mechanical conditions, it appears to be mandatory to measure the extent of these three-dimensional movements. An in vitro dynamic method for measurement of the micromotion of the femoral component of hip prostheses has been developed. Tests in cemented prostheses have confirmed that the use of cement reduces sinkage and rotation manyfold and have yielded reference values for stability. Comparison with two types of cementless prostheses has shown that certain cementless implants may achieve stability comparable to cemented ones in some load directions.     

Acromion-fixation of glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty

Successful design of components for total shoulder arthroplasty has proven to be challenging. This is because of the difficulties in maintaining fixation of the component that inserts into the scapula; i.e., the glenoid component. Glenoid components that are fixated to both the glenoid and acromion (a long process extending medially on the dorsal aspect of the scapula) have the possible advantage of greater stability over those that are fixated to the glenoid alone. In this study, a finite element analysis is used to investigate whether or not acromion fixation is advantageous for glenoid components. Full muscle loading and joint reaction forces are included in the finite element model. Reflective photoelasticity of five scapulae is used to obtain experimental data to compare with results from the finite element analysis, and it confirms the structural behaviour of the finite element model. When implanted with an acromion-fixated prosthesis, it is found that high unphysiological stresses occur in the scapula bone, and that stresses in the fixation are not reduced. Very high stresses are predicted in that part of the prosthesis which connects the acromion to the glenoid. It is found that the very high stresses are partly in response to the muscle and joint reaction forces acting at the acromion. It is concluded that, because of the relatively high forces acting at the acromion, fixation to it may not be the way forward in glenoid component design.     

Long-term study of bone remodelling after femoral stem: a comparison between dexa and finite element simulation

A hip replacement with a cemented or cementless femoral stem produces an effect on the bone called adaptive remodelling, attributable to mechanical and biological factors. The objective of all of cementless prostheses designs has been to achieve a perfect transfer of loads in order to avoid stress-shielding, which produces an osteopenia. In order to quantify this, the long term and mass-produced study with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is necessary. Finite element (FE) simulation makes possible the explanation of the biomechanical changes which are produced in the femur after stem implantation. The good correlation obtained between the results of the FE simulation and the densitometric study allow, on one hand, to explain from the point of view of biomechanical performance the changes observed in bone density in the long-term, where it is clear that these are due to a different transfer of load in the implanted model compared to the healthy femur; on the other hand, it validates the simulation model, in a way that it can be used in different conditions and at different time periods, to carry out a sufficiently precise prediction of the evolution of the bone density from the biomechanical behaviour in the interaction between the prosthesis and femur.     

Wear analysis in anatomical and reversed shoulder prostheses

This paper describes the development of a computational model to calculate wear rates in total shoulder prostheses, for a 5–150 degrees arm abduction. Anatomical keeled and pegged prosthesis as well as reversed prosthesis were the studied implants. The bone models were built based on computed tomography (CT) images and using a computer aided design-based modelling pipeline. The finite element method was used to solve the contact problem between the surface of the polyethylene (PE) components and the corresponding articular component. The aim of this work was to determine linear and volumetric PE wear, for several radial mismatches, in conditions of pathological (rheumatoid arthritis) and non-pathological bone. Results showed that contact pressures and linear wear developed in anatomical prosthesis were higher than those visualised in reversed prosthesis. However, anatomical prosthesis exhibited a better volumetric wear performance. Moreover, our findings indicated higher values of volumetric wear in higher congruent models and on pathological bone conditions.     

Wear analysis in anatomical and reversed shoulder prostheses

This paper describes the development of a computational model to calculate wear rates in total shoulder prostheses, for a 5-150 degrees arm abduction. Anatomical keeled and pegged prosthesis as well as reversed prosthesis were the studied implants. The bone models were built based on computed tomography (CT) images and using a computer aided design-based modelling pipeline. The finite element method was used to solve the contact problem between the surface of the polyethylene (PE) components and the corresponding articular component. The aim of this work was to determine linear and volumetric PE wear, for several radial mismatches, in conditions of pathological (rheumatoid arthritis) and non-pathological bone. Results showed that contact pressures and linear wear developed in anatomical prosthesis were higher than those visualised in reversed prosthesis. However, anatomical prosthesis exhibited a better volumetric wear performance. Moreover, our findings indicated higher values of volumetric wear in higher congruent models and on pathological bone conditions.     

Analysis of glenoid fixation for a reversed anatomy fixed-fulcrum shoulder replacement

The restoration of pain-free stable function in gleno-humeral arthritic cases in various situations such as rotator cuff deficiency, old trauma and failed total shoulder arthroplasty is a challenging clinical dilemma. The Bayley-Walker shoulder has been designed specifically for very difficult cases where surface replacement devices do not provide sufficient stability. This device is a fixed-fulcrum reverse anatomy implant where the centre of rotation is placed medially and distally with respect to the normal shoulder, to increase the lever arm of the abductor muscles. An important problem in devices of this type is obtaining secure and long-lasting fixation of the glenoid component. In this design, fixation is achieved using a tapered screw for engagement with cortical bone and HA coating for subsequent osseointegration. This study presents the results from a three-dimensional finite element analysis conducted on this component for two load cases at 60 degrees and 90 degrees abduction. The results showed that most of the forces were transmitted from the component to the cortical bone of the scapula, the remaining load being transmitted through cancellous bone. Histology from a retrieved case shows evidence of bone remodelling. The retrieval case obtained some time after implantation showed new bone formation had occurred around the threads onto the HA coating. Fixing the component in this way at multiple locations in cortical bone may overcome the problems of glenoid loosening historically associated with cemented constrained devices.     

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of glenoid replacement prostheses: a comparison of keeled and pegged anchorage systems

Glenoid component loosening is the dominant cause of failure in total shoulder arthroplasty. It is presumed that loosening in the glenoid is caused by high stresses in the cement layer. Several anchorage systems have been designed with the aim of reducing the loosening rate, the two major categories being "keeled" fixation and "pegged" fixation. However, no three-dimensional finite element analysis has been performed to quantify the stresses in the cement or to compare the different glenoid prosthesis anchorage systems. The objective of this study was to determine the stresses in the cement layer and surrounding bone for glenoid replacement components. A three-dimensional model of the scapula was generated using CT data for geometry and material property definition. Keeled and pegged designs were inserted into the glenoid, surrounded by a 1-mm layer of bone cement. A 90 deg arm abduction load with a full muscle and joint load was applied, following van der Helm (1994). Deformations of the prosthesis, stresses in the cement, and stresses in the bone were calculated. Stresses were also calculated for a simulated case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in which bone properties were modified to reflect that condition. A maximum principal stress-based failure model was used to predict what quantity of the cement is at risk of failure at the levels of stress computed. The prediction is that 94 percent (pegged prosthesis) and 68 percent (keeled prosthesis) of the cement has a greater than 95 percent probability of survival in normal bone. In RA bone, however, the situation is reversed where 86 percent (pegged prosthesis) and 99 percent (keeled prosthesis) of the cement has a greater than 95 percent probability of survival. Bone stresses are shown to be not much affected by the prosthesis design, except at the tip of the central peg or keel. It is concluded that a "pegged" anchorage system is superior for normal bone, whereas a "keeled" anchorage system is superior for RA bone.     

Activity intensity,assistive devices and joint replacement influence predicted remodelling in the proximal femur

Bone morphology and density changes are commonly observed following joint replacement, may contribute to the risks of implant loosening and periprosthetic fracture and reduce the available bone stock for revision surgery. This study was presented in the ‘Bone and Cartilage Mechanobiology across the scales’ WCCM symposium to review the development of remodelling prediction methods and to demonstrate simulation of adaptive bone remodelling around hip replacement femoral components, incorporating intrinsic (prosthesis) and extrinsic (activity and loading) factors. An iterative bone remodelling process was applied to finite element models of a femur implanted with a cementless total hip replacement (THR) and a hip resurfacing implant. Previously developed for a cemented THR implant, this modified process enabled the influence of pre- to post-operative changes in patient activity and joint loading to be evaluated. A control algorithm used identical pre- and post-operative conditions, and the predicted extents and temporal trends of remodelling were measured by generating virtual X-rays and DXA scans. The modified process improved qualitative and quantitative remodelling predictions for both the cementless THR and resurfacing implants, but demonstrated the sensitivity to DXA scan region definition and appropriate implant–bone position and sizing. Predicted remodelling in the intact femur in response to changed activity and loading demonstrated that in this simplified model, although the influence of the extrinsic effects were important, the mechanics of implantation were dominant. This study supports the application of predictive bone remodelling as one element in the range of physical and computational studies, which should be conducted in the preclinical evaluation of new prostheses.     

On the optimal shape of hip implants

The success of a total hip arthroplasty is strongly related to the initial stability of the femoral component and to the stress shielding effect. In fact, for cementless stems, initial stability is essential to promote bone ingrowth into the stem coating. An inefficient primary stability is also a cause of thigh pain. In addition, the bone adaptation after the surgery can lead to an excessive bone loss and, consequently, can compromise the success of the implant. These factors depend on prosthesis design, namely on material, interface conditions and shape. Although, surgeons use stems with very different geometries, new computational tools using structural optimization methods have been used to achieve a better design in order to improve initial stability and therefore, the implant durability. In this work, a multi-criteria shape optimization process is developed to study the relationship between implants performance and geometry. The multi-criteria objective function takes into account the initial stability of the femoral stem and the effect of stress shielding on bone adaptation after the surgery. Then, the optimized stems are tested using a concurrent model for bone remodeling and osseointegration to evaluate long-term performance. Additionally, the sensitivity to misalignments is analyzed, since femoral stems are often placed in varus or valgus position. Results show that the different criteria are contradictory resulting in different characteristics for the hip stem. However, the multi-criteria formulation leads to compromise solutions, with a combination of the geometric characteristics obtained for each criterion separately.     

Effect of a pathological scapular tilt after total shoulder arthroplasty

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is an accepted and most successfully used treatment for different shoulder pathologies. Different risk factors for the failure of the prosthesis are known. A pathological scapular orientation, observed in elderly people or in patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases, could be a cause of failure, which has not been investigated yet. To test this hypothesis, a numerical musculoskeletal model of the glenohumeral joint was used to compare two TSA cases: a reference normal case and a case with a pathological anterior tilt of the scapula. An active abduction of 150° was simulated. Joint force, contact pattern, polyethylene and cement stress were evaluated for both cases. The pathological tilt slightly increased the joint force and the contact pressure, but also shifted the contact pattern. This eccentric contact increased the stress level within the polyethylene of the glenoid component and within the surrounding cement layer. This adverse effect occurred mainly during the first 60° of abduction. Therefore, a pathological orientation of the scapula may increase the risk of a failure of the cement layer around the glenoid component. These preliminary numerical results should be confirmed by a clinical study.     

Adaptation of scapula lateral rotation after reverse anatomy shoulder replacement

Scapula motion is significant for support of the arm and stability of the shoulder. The effect of the humeral elevation on scapular kinematics has been well investigated for normal subjects, but there are limited published studies investigating adaptations after shoulder arthroplasty. Scapula kinematics was measured on 10 shoulders (eight subjects) with a reverse total joint replacement. The measurements were performed using an instrumented palpating technique. Every subject performed three simple tasks: abduction, elevation in scapula plane and forward flexion. Results indicate that, lateral scapula rotation was significantly increased (average of 24.42% over the normal rhythm) but the change was variable. Despite the variability, there is a clear trend correlating humeral performance with increased rotation (R2 0.829). There is clearly an adaptation in lateral scapula rotation in patients with shoulder joint replacement. The reason for this is unclear and may be related to joint pathology or to muscle adaptation following arthroplasty.     

Effects of Materials of Cementless Femoral Stem on the Functional Adaptation of Bone

The objective of this paper is to identify the effects of materials of cementless femoral stem on the functional adaptive behaviors of bone.The remodeling behaviors of a two-dimensional simplified model of cementless hip prosthesis with stiff stem,flexible 'iso-elastic' stem,one-dimensional Functionally Graded Material (FGM) stem and two-dimensional FGM stem for the period of four years after prosthesis replacement were quantified by incorporating the bone remodeling algorithm with finite element analysis.The distributions of bone density,von Mises stress,and interface shear stress were obtained.The results show that two-dimensional FGM stem may produce more mechanical stimuli and more uniform interface shear stress compared with the stems made of other materials,thus the host bone is well preserved.Accordingly,the two-dimensional FGM stem is an appropriate femoral implant from a biomechanical point of view.The numerical simulation in this paper can provide a quantitative computational paradigm for the changes of bone morphology caused by implants,which can help to improve the design of implant to reduce stress shielding and the risk of bone-prosthesis interface failure.     

Finite element models of total shoulder replacement: application of boundary conditions

The widespread use of FEA within orthopaedics is often prohibited by the limits of available computational power, with simplifications to the model often necessary in order to permit solution. An example of this includes the use of osseous models that exclude muscular loading, and may consist of only a partial or truncated region of the anatomy. However, is it possible to make such simplifications without affecting the predictive quality of the model? This issue has been considered using the specific example of the total shoulder reconstruction, where the effects of including the entire osseous region and/or the muscle loadings, has been evaluated. The effect of including the muscle loadings and the entire osseous structure was seen to increase with distance from the articular surface of the glenoid prosthesis. Stresses in the cement mantle were reduced in the absence of either the entire scapula bone or the muscle loading. The study suggests that the use of a fully defined scapula (hard- and soft-tissue) is particularly important when investigating fixation, whilst less comprehensive models should be appropriate for studies of the prosthesis exclusively.     

Bone ingrowth simulation for a concept glenoid component design

Glenoid component loosening is the major problem of total shoulder arthroplasty. It is possible that uncemented component may be able to achieve superior fixation relative to cemented component. One option for uncemented glenoid is to use porous tantalum backing. Bone ingrowth into the porous backing requires a degree of stability to be achieved directly post-operatively. This paper investigates the feasibility of bone ingrowth with respect to the influence of primary fixation, elastic properties of the backing and friction at the bone prosthesis interface. Finite element models of three glenoid components with different primary fixation configurations are created. Bone ingrowth into the porous backing is modelled based on the magnitude of the relative interface micromotions and mechanoregulation of the mesenchymal stem cells that migrated via the bonded part of the interface. Primary fixation had the most influence on bone ingrowth. The simulation showed that its major role was not to firmly interlock the prosthesis, but rather provide such a distribution of load, that would result in reduction of the peak interface micromotions. Should primary fixation be provided, friction has a secondary importance with respect to bone ingrowth while the influence of stiffness was counter intuitive: a less stiff backing material inhibits bone ingrowth by higher interface micromotions and stimulation of fibrous tissue formation within the backing.     

新型非骨水泥柄设计特征及临床应用效果

目的:探讨一种新型的适合于儿童的非骨水泥固定型股骨柄设计特征,并通过随访获得其临床效果。方法:选取2010年9月~2013年4月在我科植入新型非骨水泥股骨柄的6名儿童患者,其中男1例,女5例;年龄8.5±3.2岁(5~11岁)。病理诊断结果骨肉瘤患者5例,恶性神经鞘瘤患者1例;右股骨下端患者5例,左股骨下端患者1例;其中一例患者术前有病理骨折。6例患者在我科行双动半膝关节置换术,其中股骨下端均采用了新型非骨水泥假体柄。采用Enneking骨肌肉肿瘤置换后下肢功能评定标准对患肢行功能评价,影像学重点评估股骨柄在髓腔放置位置是否得当、股骨柄假体有无松动、有无应力遮挡、骨溶解等现象,并测量术后患者患肢短缩畸形数据。结果:6例患者随访时间32个月(14~54个月),除1例5岁女童术前肢体条件较差在术后14个月行膝关节融合手术,其余无翻修病例,置换关节均无感染、折断等现象。MSTS评分21.33分;射线片示所有患者股骨髓腔内假体柄放置位置满意,股骨侧及胫腓骨侧假体周围未见骨溶解。结论:新型非骨水泥固定型股骨柄设计合理,早期稳定性可,后期可取得满意的生物固定效果。     

Design of intramedullary prostheses to prevent bone loss: predictions based on damage-stimulated remodelling

The adaptation of bone around intramedullary fixated prostheses, such as the femoral component of the hip joint or the radial component of the elbow joint, is well documented in follow-up studies. Bone adaptation takes the form of proximal bone atrophy accompanied, in some cases, by distal bone hypertrophy. A mechanistic model has been formulated to predict bone adaptation based on the concept that the continuous processes of damage and repair regulate bone adaptation. We apply the model to investigate the significance of two features of intramedullary prosthesis design on bone adaptation: prosthesis Young's modulus and the presence of a prosthesis collar. Results, as well as indicating some characteristics of accumulative-damage stimulated bone adaptation, predict that a low Young's modulus stem will very much reduce the extent of bone loss whereas the presence of a collar will have no significant effect. The results predict that a collarless low stiffness prosthesis is one possible approach for improving the secondary stability of intramedullary-fixated orthopaedic implants.     

Assessment of scapular morphology and bone quality with statistical models

The design of total shoulder arthroplasty implants are guided by anatomy. The objective of this study was to develop statistical models to quantify shape and material property variation in the scapula. Material-mapped models were reconstructed from CT scans for a training set of subjects. Statistical shape (SSM) and intensity (SIM) models were created; SSM modes described scaling, changes in the medial border and acromial process, and elongation of the scapular blade. SIM modes captured bone quality changes in the anterior and inferior glenoid. Bone quality was independent of scapular morphology. Variation described by the statistical representations can inform implant design and sizing.     

Surface pretreatment for prolonged survival of cemented tibial prosthesis components: full- vs. surface-cementation technique

Background  

One of few persisting problems of cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is aseptic loosening of tibial component due to degradation of the interface between bone cement and metallic tibial shaft component, particularly for surface cemented tibial components. Surface cementation technique has important clinical meaning in case of revision and for avoidance of stress shielding. Degradation of the interface between bone cement and bone may be a secondary effect due to excessive crack formation in bone cement starting at the opposite metallic surface.